Cinnamon Sugar Banana Chips

This simple air fryer banana chips recipe transforms ordinary bananas into crispy, cinnamon-infused treats that satisfy sweet cravings without any added sugar. Perfect for healthy snacking or as a fun topping for yogurt and oatmeal, these chips deliver natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch.

I discovered this recipe during a pantry cleanout when I found some greenish bananas nobody wanted to eat. My kids now request these chips regularly instead of packaged snacks, and I love knowing exactly what goes into their treats.

Ingredients

• 2 bananas: slightly underripe greenish or just turning yellow for best results as they contain less moisture and create crispier chips
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil: provides just enough fat to help achieve the perfect crunch without deep frying
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds warmth and subtle sweetness look for fresh cinnamon with strong aroma for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Heat your air fryer to 300°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures consistent cooking temperature from the start which helps achieve even crispness across all your banana chips.

Prepare the Bananas:

Peel your bananas and slice them into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds. Consistent thickness is crucial here. Too thin and they may burn too thick and they won't crisp properly. Use a sharp knife and try to make each slice as even as possible.

Create the Cinnamon Coating:

In a small bowl thoroughly mix the cinnamon and oil until you have a smooth spiced oil. The oil helps the cinnamon distribute evenly and aids in the crisping process during air frying.

Coat the Banana Slices:

Place all banana slices in a large bowl pour the cinnamon-oil mixture over them and use your hands or a spatula to gently toss ensuring each slice gets a light coating. Be gentle to avoid breaking the slices.

Arrange in Air Fryer:

Carefully place the coated banana slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping as this prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer size you may need to work in batches.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Cook at 300°F for 25-28 minutes flipping all slices halfway through. Watch carefully during the last few minutes as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone. The chips will continue to crisp as they cool so remove them when they're golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the chips to cool for 5-10 minutes on a rack. This cooling period is essential as it allows them to reach their maximum crispness. They might seem slightly soft when first removed but will firm up nicely as they cool.

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The cinnamon is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I once accidentally doubled the amount and discovered a wonderful variation that my children now prefer. The warm spice complements the natural sweetness of the bananas perfectly, making these chips taste like a treat despite having no added sugar.

Perfect Ripeness Matters

The success of these chips largely depends on choosing bananas at the right stage of ripeness. Green to slightly yellow bananas work best because they contain less sugar and moisture. Fully ripe or spotted bananas will become chewy rather than crispy and may stick to the air fryer basket. Look for firm bananas that still have a slight green tinge at the ends for optimal results.

Storage Solutions

These banana chips will stay crispy for up to 7 days when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container once completely cooled. If you notice them softening after a few days, you can refresh their crispness by putting them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 300°F. I recommend adding a paper towel to the storage container to absorb any residual moisture which helps maintain that perfect crunch.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cinnamon version is delightful, this recipe serves as a wonderful base for experimentation. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warming spice notes. For a tropical twist, sprinkle with unsweetened coconut flakes during the last 5 minutes of cooking. My personal favorite variation includes a tiny dash of vanilla extract mixed into the oil for a dessert-like aroma that makes these chips even more irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

These banana chips shine as a standalone snack but they also make wonderful additions to other foods. Crumble them over Greek yogurt for breakfast, use them as a topping for ice cream, or mix them into homemade trail mix with nuts and a few dark chocolate chips for a balanced energy boost. I keep a batch in my car for healthy on-the-go snacking that satisfies sweet cravings without the sugar crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ripe bananas for this?

It's best to use green or slightly yellow bananas as ripe ones become too soft and may not crisp well.

→ How do I prevent the banana chips from sticking?

Ensure the banana slices are coated evenly in oil and lay them in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer.

→ What can I substitute for avocado oil?

You can use olive oil or another neutral cooking oil as a substitute without affecting the flavor.

→ How should I store the banana chips?

To maintain crispiness, store the cooled banana chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Can I add other spices?

Yes, you can experiment with flavors by adding nutmeg, cocoa powder, or a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon mixture.